Elba Lawhon

Ms. Elba Lorraine Lawhon, 79, of Cottageville, entered into rest Wednesday evening, April 29, 2026, at Roper Hospital in Charleston.

Born November 17, 1946 in Puerto Rico, she was a daughter of the late Norma Gonzalez Graterole. She always centered her life around her family and work, having spent a career of over forty years as a pet groomer. She was the retired owner of Elba’s Puppy Love and will always be remembered for her dedication to the animals she dearly loved. She enjoyed fishing as well as gardening, cooking, and music. She was an active member of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Cottageville.

Surviving are: five children, Michelle Deanna Mendoza of Cottageville, Darlene Lanette Ferrell (Gareth) of Summerville, Marlene Lynette Nathan (Todd) of Ruffin, Debbie Lorraine Mendoza of Cottageville, and Neil Lawhon, III (Shannon) of Moncks Corner; three sisters, Evelyn Hutto of Missouri, Norma Walser of Cottageville, and Gretchen Therese Graterole of Johns Island; nine grandchildren, Daniel Thomas Marzka, II (Lauren), Dylan Scott-Mendoza Mullins, Deanna Michelle-Mendoza Mullins, Stefan Garrett Mendoza (Samantha), Chad Avery Nathan, Lauren Lorraine Larrabee, Lacie Ilene Larrabee, Mason O’Neil Lawhon, and Logan O’Neil Lawhon; and seven great grandchildren, Thomas Marzka, III, Lucas Marzka, Nicholas Marzka, Ayden Mendoza, Cooper Mendoza, Marley Mendoza, and Taylor Adam “My Little Dumplin” Sineath, II; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by a sister, Olga Bloomfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials in her memory to the following: Spring Hill Baptist Church, care of Barbara Rhode, 2682 Wesley Grove Road, Cottageville, South Carolina 29435; or to, Friends of Colleton County Animal Shelter, 33 Poor Farm Road, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon, May 4, 2026, from Spring Hill Baptist Church, 1671 Rehoboth Road, Cottageville. The Reverend David Mullins and The Reverend Bobby Ethridge officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5 o’clock until 7 o’clock this Sunday at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.